GURUGRAM- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has returned its first retrofitted narrowbody aircraft, Airbus A320neo to service, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s ongoing transformation.
The A320neo aircraft, registered as VT-EXN, represents the initial completion of the airline’s comprehensive retrofit program for 27 narrowbody aircraft inherited during the Tata Group takeover.
Photo: Air IndiaAir India First Retrofitted A320neo Update
The aircraft underwent extensive modifications including new seats, carpets, curtains, cabin ambience, and a complete exterior repaint featuring Air India’s new livery and branding.
VT-EXN entered the retrofit process last year as part of the USD400 million fleet upgrade initiative announced by the Tata Group.
Photo: Air IndiaThese retrofitted A320neos will operate alongside 14 newly delivered A320neos on domestic and short-haul international routes, providing passengers with a consistent experience across the fleet. The entire narrowbody retrofit program is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2025.
The comprehensive retrofit involves installing over 3,500 new Economy Class seats, more than 600 Premium Economy seats, and 200 Business Class seats across the 27 aircraft. The refurbishment has required 450 meters of premium leather, 15,000 meters of high-quality fabric, and 4,000 meters of plush carpeting.
Each retrofitted A320neo features a three-class configuration with eight Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom, and 132 Economy seats. Additional modern amenities include portable electronic device holders, USB ports, spacious legroom, and wider seat pitch.
Rebuilt. Refined. Ready to soar.
The first of our 27 A320neo is stepping into the future with a modern three-class experience.
This isn’t just the next chapter. It’s the start of a whole new story in the sky.#FlyAI #NewAirIndia #A320neo pic.twitter.com/VyzzSOctW7
— Air India (@airindia) March 17, 2025
The airline’s transformation extends beyond the narrowbody fleet, with 40 widebody Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft also scheduled for similar upgrades. The first Boeing 787 is set to begin its retrofit process next month.
Also, Air India placed a follow-up order for 90 more Airbus A320neos, along with 10 A350s in December 2024.
Photo: Air IndiaWhat’s Inside the Retrofitted A302neo?
Air India’s newly refitted A320neo aircraft introduces a comprehensive three-class cabin configuration, expanding passenger options across its narrowbody fleet. The redesigned interior features 8 Business class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats with additional legroom, and 132 Economy seats.
The upgraded cabins incorporate modern amenities throughout all service classes. Passengers will experience subtle lighting, increased legroom, wider seat pitch, and portable electronic device holders. USB charging ports with both type A and C options accommodate various devices. New carpets, curtains, upholstery, and cabin panels reinforce Air India’s refreshed brand identity.
Business class seats deliver 40-inch ergonomic designs with a 7-inch recline capability. These premium seats include adjustable armrests, footrests, and backrests. The push-button tray table system integrates a PED holder alongside multiple charging ports.
Premium Economy offers larger seats with superior upholstery and four-way adjustable headrests. These seats provide a 32-inch pitch with 4-inch recline, complemented by PED holders and USB ports.
Economy class features ergonomically designed seats with 28-29-inch pitch and 4-inch recline. These seats also include PED holders and USB ports for passenger convenience.
Air India’s Engineering team leads the retrofit project in collaboration with global original equipment manufacturers including Collins, Astronics, and Thales. The comprehensive program involves installing over 15,000 next-generation seats across all cabin classes.
The cabin upgrades represent a key component of Air India’s transformation strategy since the Tata Group acquired the airline on January 27, 2022. The new ownership has prioritized enhancing product offerings while implementing plans for significant fleet and network expansion.
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